The people of Michigan have weathered substantial economic hardship in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic and now face historic inflation and high energy costs; the time has come to support them with historic tax relief and position our state for an epic economic recovery. That is why Sen. Aric Nesbitt introduced legislation this month to lower state tax rates and encourage economic growth across Michigan.

Senate Bill 768 would lower the state’s personal and corporate income tax rates to 3.9% from 4.25% and 6%, respectively, and provide families with a $500 per child tax credit.

The state continues to see strong revenue projections. Considering the Legislature’s responsible budgeting and ongoing efforts to wisely invest federal dollars into the state’s infrastructure and future, the time is right to make these tax cuts for Michigan residents and businesses.
Reducing these tax burdens will supercharge our economic bounce back, help families, and attract more investment and job providers to Michigan, where our business tax rate would be among the lowest in the Midwest. Families and businesses know how to spend their hard-earned dollars far better than government.

SB 768 has been referred to the Senate Finance Committee for consideration.

Sen. Nesbitt supported a $3.34 billion investment into the state’s water quality and infrastructure when it was passed by the Senate earlier this month. The Protect MI Water plan would largely utilize one-time federal funding to upgrade aging systems and ensure clean drinking water and natural resources for future generations.

Making sure that Michigan families have access to clean drinking water is one of the most critical public health issues facing our state in recent years; this bill tackles this important challenge head-on.

Senate Bill 565 would use $2.37 billion in federal funding, $680 million in state resources and $290 million in repurposed state bond funds to improve Michigan’s dam infrastructure, wastewater systems and groundwater protection and provide clean drinking water.

The bill features $1 billion to replace lead pipes throughout the state, $700 million to upgrade local drinking water and wastewater facilities, $100 million in grants to remove PFAS chemicals from “orphaned” sites, $50 million to help well owners connect to a community water system or increase the depth of their well if their water was contaminated or their well failed after a disaster, and $85 million for filtered water stations in schools.

SB 565 would also designate $680 million for dam infrastructure, including $650 million for projects prioritizing dam risk reduction, $15 million for emergency response activities by the state where a dam owner fails to pay for necessary work, and $15 million for a grant program for dam rehabilitation or removal.

One-time funding from the federal government should never be used to grow state government — instead, it should be used to address critical issues that benefit every Michigander. The Protect MI Water plan will improve the quality of our drinking water and one of our state’s most precious natural resources for generations to come without placing any additional tax burdens on hardworking Michigan residents.

The bill has been sent to the House of Representatives for consideration.

Congratulations to Ed Oxley for being honored with the Michigan Horticulture Society’s Distinguished Service Award. Senator Nesbitt shared a tribute sharing how he and state leaders are proud of Ed, Phyllis, and the rest of the Oxley Family’s hard work in building one of the finest grape farms in Michigan. Thank you, Ed, for your service to the agriculture community, and our state.

There was a great turnout for Trees for Troops event at Wahmhoff Farms on Nov. 29! Nearly 400 trees were donated from Christmas tree farms across Michigan to help brighten the holidays for our soldiers who may not be able to spend Christmas at home. This is always a great event. Senator Nesbitt is already looking forward to next year.

A big thank you to Harold Schuitmaker for his 50 years of service as legal counsel to Porter Township. Senator Nesbitt was happy to be on hand to help Harold celebrate this great accomplishment with the township board in November.

It’s good to see move investment in downtown Allegan! Four small businesses recently celebrated ribbon-cutting ceremonies together on Locust Street. Congratulations to Sunset + Willow Co., Lily Valley Soapworks, Allegan Floral, and Studio Rowe Photography. Be sure to shop local and support Michigan’s small businesses this holiday season and all year through!

The holiday season is a wonderful time to gather with family and friends. Unfortunately, it is also the season for scammers and cybercriminals. I encourage everyone to be mindful of scams and to take steps to protect their personal information.

While the internet has increased convenience for shoppers, it has also made it easier for scam artists to commit financial or identification crimes. To help protect themselves, residents should keep browser and security software up-to-date, make sure to use only legitimate and secure websites, be wary of clicking on links on social media or in emails and never give out your credit card, bank account or Social Security numbers over the phone.

The attorney general’s office has been highlighting “16 Days of Scams” on its website at www.michigan.gov/ag. Residents can also see numerous “Consumer Alerts” on the website in the “Resources” section.

Did you know that Michigan produces more varieties of Christmas trees than any other state?